Catering Manager

At HR Wallingford, we design smart, resilient solutions across the natural and built environments to help everyone live and work more sustainably with water. By harnessing research, data insights and the power of our collective expertise, we help the world to better understand the changing influence and impact of water.

The HR Wallingford Group owns and operates the Howbery Business Park, (www.howberypark.com), a 70 acre site set in mature, landscaped grounds near to the river Thames. The business science park is located between Oxford and Reading and has excellent links to the M4, M40 and London.

We are seeking an experienced Catering Manager to oversee the daily operations of our café and hospitality services. This role involves managing a team of six (including the chef), ensuring smooth delivery of café services and events, and maintaining high standards of compliance, customer service, and food quality.

As Catering Manager, you will be responsible for the full scope of café and hospitality operations. You will lead and motivate a skilled team, ensuring operational efficiency and financial compliance. In addition, you will oversee daily café service, maintaining high standards of customer experience while providing hands-on support and guidance to the front-of-house team.

The Catering Manager will ensure adherence to company standards and make sure Food Safety, Hygiene and H&S are all aligned with expectations at a high level.  They will appropriately control stock levels, food standards and labour, along with all controllable costs to maximise profitability.

The ideal candidate will demonstrate strong numeracy and literacy skills, along with proficiency in computer applications including Outlook, Word, and Excel. Excellent customer and client awareness is essential, supported by effective communication abilities and a collaborative approach to team working. Strong time management and flexibility are key to a catering environment

About Us

The Manor Café, located on Howbery Business Park beside the River Thames, serves both on-site clients and external visitors with a range of hot and cold food options. With spacious indoor and outdoor seating areas, as well as a takeaway service, the café serves in the region of 130 customers per day with a daily turnover of approximately £1,000 per day.

We also provide hospitality to our conference rooms and across the business park, including hot and cold beverages, business lunches and buffets.

The Manor Café has proudly maintained a 5-star food hygiene rating ("Scores on the Doors") for the past seven consecutive years.

Key qualifications and skills

• Level 3 food hygiene
• At least 2 years’ experience in hospitality management,
• Proven work experience as a Restaurant Manager
• At least one years’ experience in a similar catering environment.
• Knowledge of and qualifications relating to food handling, COSHH and HACCP.]
• Have practical working knowledge of systems, processes and procedures across the department.

• Ensure that we are fully compliant in all financial procedures and that cash handling and stock is secure.
• Manage all aspects of compliance and health and safety procedures in all operational areas.
• Ensure a culture of excellent customer service at all times.
• Ensure that all food is served and presented in accordance with company standards.
• To assist customer queries in a professional, courteous and friendly manner.
• Ensure all food safety documents are completed and filed accurately.
• Ensure any necessary opening & closing documentation is checked and signed daily.

Further information

• Salary: Competitive range up to a maximum of £43,000 per annum depending on experience
• Hours of work: Monday to Friday  7:30am to 4:00pm  40 Hours per week         
• Download a full Job Description 

Closing date for applications is 19th June 2026

How to apply

If you are excited about this role but unsure whether you’re the right fit, we encourage you to apply. We’re also happy to answer any questions by emailing careers@hrwallingford.com

Interested? Please apply providing your CV with covering letter. 

Additional information

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HR Wallingford are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity in our workplace. We do not discriminate, and work to create an inclusive culture across our business.